When Fox's Secret Millionaire debuted last week, it got mixed reaction from critics.  Both camps agree that the network is definitely going for that Extreme Makeover: Home Edition kind of appeal, with tear-jerking scenes and pokes at the heart.  Essentially, the reality show takes millionaires from their sprawling mansions into the less-then-posh parts of the country where they interact with so-called normal people.  At the end of the “experiment,” their identities are revealed and the person who they end up trusting the most gets at least $100,000 from these millionaires' very own (deep) pockets.

Matthew Gilbert of the Boston Globe says that Secret Millionaire is “contrived” and makes a show out of charity, meant to milk the public sentiment over the supposed recession.  True enough, the timing of the series seems suspicious at least to some, when worries over the economy and federal bailouts of big businesses are growing.  If we're going to bail out the big guys in the real world, the show's pitch seems to be, at least we can watch them bail us out on TV,” says Gilbert.

Gilbert also points out that while the secret millionaires are parting from their hard-earned cash, they get to plug their businesses for the duration of the program.  In last week's case, Todd and Gwen shelled out $200,000 more than the required $100,000, but the amount is still cost-effective considering they were able to plug their food-chain business on national television.

As far as ratings go, however, Secret Millionaire ranked second on its 8pm timeslot during its two-hour premiere.  Its second hour, in fact, become Fox's highest rated non-sports program on its timeslot this season, perhaps indicative that the formula is still working.

On tonight's episode of Secret Millionaire, Gurbaksh Chahal is put on the spot.  Chanal, 26, is an Indian-born entrepreneur, author, and television personality who founded and chairs two advertising companies.


-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Fox, Boston Globe
(Image Courtesy of Fox)